Electrician

Work Characteristics

Air-conditioning, refrigeration, light and power all require the services of an electrician. They install, test, connect and regulate electrical systems for various purposes that can include security, climate control and communications. Also electronic controls for different kinds of machinery are installed by electricians. They usually specialize in maintenance or construction work.

Construction work mainly involves installation of wiring systems for businesses, homes and factories. Maintenance work usually covers all upgrading and maintenance tasks involving existing systems.

Electricians are expected to follow standards set by the National Electrical Code and also the local and state building codes.

Work Environment

Work happens both outdoors and indoors. It can be very tiring and dangerous since there is risk of getting electrocuted. Usually electricians work for 40 hours in a week but often have to do overtime. They are functional during weekends and holidays.

Educational Requirements

Some electricians learn in apprenticeship programs that train both on the job and in classrooms. High school diplomas or an equivalent of G.E.D along with being 18 years of age is required. Good understanding of English and mathematics is also important. Apprenticeship programs are for 4 years and each year is packed in with 144 hours in the classroom and 2,000 hours of practical experience. Private and technical vocational schools also offer electrician training courses and schools. Eye hand coordination, manual dexterity, a good sense of balance and physical fitness are all qualities that employers look out for in candidates.

In most states electricians need a license to operate and continuous up gradation of skills and knowledge as per government standards is also needed.

Job Prospects and Salary Expectations

Job opportunities in this career are expected to increase at the same rate as in most other professions. Most get absorbed in large factories and offices. Many also freelance by providing their services to homes and other places. Maximum opportunities are in the fastest growing areas of the country.

In May 2006, median hourly earnings of wage and salary electricians were $20.97. The middle 50 percent earned between $16.07 and $27.71. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.76, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34.95. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of electricians were:

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing $31.90

• Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution 26.32
• Local government 23.80
• Nonresidential building construction 20.58
• Electrical contractors 20.47
• Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors 19.56
• Employment services 17.15

Apprentices usually start at between 40 and 50 percent of the rate paid to fully trained electricians, depending on experience. As apprentices become more skilled, they receive periodic pay increases throughout their training.

Some electricians are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Among unions representing maintenance electricians are the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Union, United Automobile, Aircraft and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and the United Steelworkers of America.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.